In Britain, Canada and the US, education programmes that focus on bilingualism have been set up.

These programmes are highly successful.

They demonstrate that it is possible for pupils to be proficient in English and their mother tongue.

Studying a mother tongue gives one a sense of one's roots.

Research shows that bilingualism brings about intellectual benefits, enhanced creativity and mental flexibility.

Bilinguals are more divergent thinkers and are superior problem solvers.

Bilingualism enables one to break out of the confines of a single world view.

It makes us more tolerant of other cultures and races.

Proficiency in English is good for our pupils, but being proficient in English and in one's mother tongue is even better.

Bilingualism builds a better world, and a better mind.